Wiper device

ABSTRACT

The invention starts with a wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle, which includes a wiper arm ( 10   a - 10   j ), which features a wiper rod ( 12   a - 12   j ) and a fastening part ( 14   a - 14   j ) connected in a non-articulated manner with the wiper rod ( 12   a - 12   j ).  
     It is proposed that the wiper device have at least one spoiler element ( 16   a - 16   j ) to generate a flow-induced bearing force.

STATE OF THE ART

The invention starts with a wiper device in accordance with the pre-characterizing clause of claim 1.

A generic wiper device is known from DE 31 42 716 C2. The wiper device includes a wiper arm with a wiper rod manufactured of an elastic plastic, which is connected on one end in a non-articulated manner with a fastening part and on whose free end a wiper blade can be fastened.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The invention starts with a wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle, which includes a wiper arm, which features a wiper rod and a fastening part connected in a non-articulated manner with the wiper rod.

It is proposed that the wiper device include at least one spoiler element to generate a flow-induced bearing force. An especially flat wiper device that is particularly suited for high speeds can be achieved advantageously. In addition, the spoiler element can be used advantageously to support functioning, for example, to dampen vibrations, increase torsional rigidity, etc.

In this context, a non-articulated connection should be understood as the wiper rod and the fastening part being connected without a materially-designed swivel axis around which the wiper rod and the fastening part could be swiveled relative to one another. Components, which make a relative movement possible between the wiper rod or sections of the wiper rod and the fastening part, in particular due to an elastic material deformation should not be viewed as articulation in this context and should also be included particularly in the protective area, such as film hinges, elastic sections, elastic wiper rods, etc. In this case, the wiper rod and the fastening part can be designed to be a single piece or several pieces.

If the spoiler element is designed at least partially as a single piece with the wiper arm, additional components, assembly expense, structural space and costs can be saved.

On the other hand, if the spoiler element is formed by at least one component separate from a wiper rod component of the wiper rod, the spoiler element and wiper rod component can be designed separate from one another for their respective functions. In particular, the spoiler element can be formed by a particularly cost-effective material as compared to the wiper rod component.

In addition, it is proposed that at least one wiper rod component of the wiper rod be arranged at least partially in a receptacle area of the spoiler element. A simple assembly can be achieved; edges of the wiper rod component can be advantageously covered by means of the spoiler element and at least a kind of pedestrian impact protection can be achieved by means of the spoiler element in particular.

If the spoiler element is fastened via at least one locking connection, assembly can be further simplified, a connection that is particularly reliable for the process can be achieved and in particular tool-free assembly and disassembly can be achieved. Moreover, locking elements of the locking connection can be formed as simply as a single piece, and additional components and costs can be saved. In addition to a locking connection, however, all other frictional, positively engaged and/or integral connections that appear to be meaningful to the expert are also conceivable, e.g., adhesive connections, welded connections, screwed connections, clamped connections via plastic deformations and/or via separate clamping means, etc.

In addition, the wiper device can be embodied as a multi-component injection molded part, in which the wiper rod and the spoiler element are formed at least partially of different components. An additional assembly of the components can be dispensed with, and nevertheless the wiper rod and the spoiler element can be advantageously designed in terms of their material for their respective functions.

If the spoiler element is designed to be flexible in at least one area, the spoiler element can be designed in a structurally simple manner extending over the entire area of the wiper rod or the entire area of the wiper arm, in that the spoiler element is able to follow stroke compensation movements because of the flexible design. In this case, the spoiler element can be used to dampen vibrations and to form the design, wherein the spoiler element is formed by a colored material, particularly a colored plastic, or painted together with the wiper arm.

If the spoiler element is designed to be at least largely deflection resistant in at least one area, the spoiler element can be used as a supporting element in particular or be designed as a single piece with one part of the wiper arm or the wiper rod. In addition, the spoiler element can be used in a targeted manner to influence the torsional deflection resistance of the entire wiper arm. A torsional area of the wiper arm can at least be largely limited in an advantageous manner to a main stroke compensation area on an inner end of the wiper rod in operation. In addition, vibrations can be avoided in individual areas in a targeted manner, for example, by a skilled selection of the profile and/or mass of the spoiler element. In doing so, the deflection resistance can be achieved by a special shaping and/or by a special material selection.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the spoiler element be recessed in at least one bending area of at least one wiper rod component in order to make a stroke movement possible, wherein the use of a rigid spoiler profile can guarantee the stroke compensation ability of wiper arm in a simple manner, particularly during operation.

If the spoiler element is recessed on the underside of the wiper rod component of the wiper rod in the bending area and is designed to be at least partially overlapping on the upper side of the bending area, a spoiler element extending at least largely over the entire wiper arm can be achieved and, connected with this, a largely uniform bearing force can be achieved advantageously in the longitudinal extension during operation and a recess of the spoiler element that is concealed during operation can be achieved.

In another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the spoiler element feature a changing cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction, whereby a deflection resistance that is particularly advantageous in the longitudinal direction and a bearing force that is achievable via the air stream can be adjusted in a targeted manner. Deflection resistant and flexible areas can be achieved and sections that tend to vibrate can be influenced in a targeted manner. In doing so, the spoiler element can be formed by a component that is separate from a wiper arm or can be designed at least partially as a single piece with the wiper arm. In addition to or as an alternative to different cross-sectional shapes in the longitudinal direction, the spoiler element can be manufactured of different materials in the longitudinal area.

DRAWINGS

Additional advantages are yielded from the following description of the drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are depicted in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The expert will also observe individual features expediently and combine them into additional, meaningful combinations.

The drawings show:

FIG. 1 A side view of a wiper device in accordance with the invention with a wiper arm and spoiler element designed as a single piece with said wiper arm.

FIG. 2 A section along Line II-II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 A section along Line III-III in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 A section along Line IV-IV in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 A section along Line V-V in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 A section along Line VI-VI in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7-9 Sectional depictions through wiper devices that are alternatives to FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 A side view of an alternative wiper device with a wiper arm and a deflection resistant spoiler element.

FIG. 11 The wiper device from FIG. 10 as seen diagonally from below.

FIG. 12 An enlarged section from XII from FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 A section along Line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14-16 Sectional depictions through wiper devices that are alternatives to FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 A wiper device that is an alternative to FIG. 10 with a bending area cover in a unstressed state as seen diagonally from below.

FIG. 18 The wiper device from FIG. 17 as seen diagonally from above in a stressed state.

FIG. 19 A side view of a wiper device that is an alternative to FIG. 10 with a flexible spoiler element in a stressed state.

FIG. 20 The wiper device from FIG. 19 in a unstressed state as seen diagonally from below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a wiper device in accordance with the invention for a motor vehicle with a wiper arm 10 a. The wiper arm 10 a includes a wiper rod 12 a made of spring steel and a fastening part 14 a made of an essentially deflection resistant steel that is connected in a non-articulated manner with the wiper rod 12 a. Instead of spring steel, the wiper rod could also be formed by other materials that appear to be meaningful to the expert, such as a glass fiber reinforced plastic, for example. The wiper rod 12 a is fastened by means of a so-called lapping over of the fastening part 14 a via a clamped connection in the fastening part 14 a. A bracketless wiper blade 22 a is fastened to an arched wiper strip support on an end of the wiper rod 12 a facing away from the fastening part 14 a.

In accordance with the invention, the wiper device includes a spoiler element 16 a to generate a flow-induced bearing force. The spoiler element 16 a is designed to be a single piece with the wiper arm 10 a, and namely a single piece with the wiper rod 12 a. On the end facing away from the fastening part 14 a, the wiper rod 12 a features a closed U-profile against flow direction 20 a in the area of a fastening point of the wiper blade 22 a at the wiper rod 12 a (FIGS. 1 and 2). In the longitudinal direction adjacent to the fastening point, the wiper rod 12 a essentially features a S-profile with (as viewed in the flow direction 20 a) a forward wing element pointing diagonally downward against flow direction 20 a and a rear wing element of the spoiler element 16 a pointing diagonally upwards in flow direction 20 a.

The spoiler element 16 a features a changing cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction, i.e., starting from the end facing away from the fastening part 14 a, the wing elements have a length diminishing to zero in the longitudinal direction towards the fastening part 14 a (FIGS. 3 to 6). In a main bending area of the wiper rod 12 a in front of the fastening part 14 a of approx. 10 cm, the wiper rod 12 a has an even profile running essentially parallel to the flow essentially parallel to the flow direction 20 a (FIGS. 1 and 6). Because of the S-profile, the wiper rod 12 a and the spoiler element 16 a are essentially designed to be deflection resistance, wherein the deflection resistance also diminishes with diminishing wing length. Instead of a changing cross-sectional shape, the wiper rod could also be designed with a constant cross-sectional shape or with a constant profile, whereby the profile could simply be rolled including pre-bending.

FIGS. 7 through 9 depict cross-sections through alternative wiper devices each with a respective wiper arm 10 b, 10 c, 10 d. In the case of the exemplary embodiments, essentially the same components and same features are numbered with the same reference numbers in the description, but letters have been added to differentiate the exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, reference can be made to the description of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 through 6 with respect to the unchanging features and functions. The following description is restricted essentially to the differences from the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 through 6.

The wiper arm 10 b features a wiper rod 12 b that is designed to be a single piece with a spoiler element 16 b. The wiper rod 12 b features an even profile ascending in the flow direction 20 b that is inclined by approx. 40° to the flow direction 20 b at its end facing away from a fastening part and it forms the spoiler element 16 b via the diagonal inclination. The inclination diminishes from the end facing away from the fastening part in the longitudinal direction toward the fastening part from 40° to 0°. Instead of an inclination of 40°, other inclinations that appear meaningful to the expert are also conceivable, for example from 0 to 90°. Furthermore, is would be fundamentally conceivable to design a fastening part with an inclination corresponding to wiper rod 12 b, for example with an inclination of 40°, and to compensate for the inclination with a diagonal bore hole forming a fastening point of the fastening part with a drive shaft.

The wiper arm 10 c in FIG. 8 includes a wiper rod 12 c embodied as a single piece with a spoiler element 16 c, which wiper rod has a closed U-profile against the flow direction 20 c, whereby a base part of the U-profile pointing against the flow direction 20 c is embodied to be ascending diagonally in the flow direction 20 c. A reinforcement of the wiper rod 12 c is achieved due to the U-profile.

The wiper arm 10 d in FIG. 9 includes a wiper rod 12 d embodied as a single piece with a spoiler element 16 d. The wiper rod 12 d has essentially a box profile, whereby a side wall of the box profile pointing against the flow direction 20 d is embodied to be ascending diagonally in the flow direction 20.

FIGS. 10 through 13 depict an alternative wiper device with a wiper arm 10 e. The wiper arm 10 e includes a fastening part 14 e and a wiper rod 12 e, which is formed by a deflection resistant, spoiler element 16 e extruded from plastic and a wiper rod component 24 e formed by a leaf spring made of spring steel. Instead of plastic, the spoiler element 16 e could also be manufactured of a metal.

The wiper rod component 24 e is held at one end by means of a so-called lapping around of the fastening part 14 e via a clamped connection in the fastening part 14 e. With a second end, the wiper rod component 24 e is inserted into a receptacle area of the spoiler element 16 e, which essentially has C-profile open towards an underside with a wing element formed on a cover side.

The wiper rod component 24 e is fixed via a locking connection 18 e in the receptacle area of the spoiler element 16 e. Two locking meanings 26 e, 26 e′ are formed on the spoiler element 16 e on an end facing the wiper rod component 24 e in a lower wall pointing towards the to-be-wiped surface in an assembled state, each of which locking means are formed by a circular, partially free-punched section, which forms an ascending diagonal surface or locking hook projecting over an inner side of the receptacle area in the insertion direction 28 e of the wiper rod component 24 e (FIGS. 11, 12, and 13).

If the free end of the wiper rod component 24 e comes into the area of the locking means 26 e, 26 e′ during insertion, the locking means 26 e, 26 e′ are deflected perpendicular to the insertion direction 28 e and perpendicular to the underside of the spoiler element 16 e and with a continued insertion movement then lock into locking means 30 e on the wiper rod component 24 e that are formed by circular passage openings (FIG. 13). Instead of the locking means 26 e, 26 e′ deflecting, it is conceivable for the wiper rod component 24 e to deflect during the locking process. Free spaces on a cover side of the spoiler element 16 e could be provided for this, into which the wiper rod component 24 e can deflect or yield during the locking process. At the same time as the locking, the wiper rod component's 24 e front side ends up adjacent to a formed-on limit stop (not shown in greater detail) projecting into the receptacle area of the spoiler element 16 e. The wiper rod component 24 e is securely fixed in the spoiler element 16 e.

The spoiler element 16 e forms a front portion of the wiper rod 12 e. To make a stroke compensation movement possible during operation, the spoiler element 16 e is recessed in a main bending area of the wiper rod component 24 e. The wiper arm 10 e is depicted in a stressed operating state in FIGS. 10 and 11, whereby a dashed line in FIG. 10 also shows the wiper arm 10 e in an unstressed operating state. The wiper rod component 24 e is essentially bent straight in operation and thereby brings about a bearing force of a wiper blade on the to-be-wiped surface.

FIGS. 14 through 16 depict cross-sectional representations through wiper devices that are alternatives to FIG. 10. Reference can be made to the description of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 10 through 13 with respect to the unchanging features and functions. The following description is restricted essentially to the differences from the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 10 through 13.

The wiper device in FIG. 14 features a wiper arm 10 f, which includes a fastening part and a wiper rod 12 f, which is formed by a deflection resistant spoiler element 16 f and a wiper rod component 24 f formed by a leaf spring.

The spoiler element 16 f has a C-profile that is essentially open to an underside, on whose side pointing against a flow direction 20 f a wing element with a V-profile is formed as a single piece. During assembly, the spoiler element's 16 f first leg 32 f, which is semi-circular in cross-section and facing away from the wing element, is snapped into place on an edge of the wiper rod component 24 f. Then the spoiler element's 16 f second leg 34 f, which is embodied as a locking hook, is swiveled around a longitudinal axis of the spoiler element 16 f in the direction of the wiper rod component 24 f and locked into place on said component.

The wiper device in FIG. 15 has a wiper arm 10 g, which includes a fastening part and a wiper rod 12 g, which is formed by a deflection resistance spoiler element 16 g and a wiper rod component 24 g formed by a leaf spring.

The spoiler element 16 g has a C-profile that is essentially open to an underside, on whose cover side a curved wing element is formed as a single piece. During assembly, the spoiler element 16 g is placed on a cover side of the wiper rod component 24 g and then locked into place on the wiper rod component 24 g with a pressure movement perpendicular to the cover side of the wiper rod component 24 g with its legs 32 g, 34 g that are embodied as locking hooks.

The wiper device in FIG. 16 has a wiper arm 10 h, which includes a fastening part and a wiper rod 12 h, which is formed by a deflection resistant spoiler element 16 h and a wiper rod component 24 h formed by a leaf spring.

The spoiler element 16 h essentially has a profile composed of two C-profiles that is open to an underside on whose cover side a wing element is formed as a single piece. During assembly, the spoiler element 16 h is placed on a cover side of the slotted wiper rod component 24 h and then locked into place on the wiper rod component 24 h with a pressure movement perpendicular to the cover side of the wiper rod component 24 h with its legs 32 h, 34 h, 36 h, 38 h that are embodied as locking hooks, wherein the legs 36 h, 38 h engage in a slot of the wiper rod component 24 h.

FIGS. 17 and 18 depict a wiper device that essentially corresponds to the wiper device from FIGS. 10 through 13. In contrast to the wiper device in FIGS. 10 through 13, the wiper device in FIGS. 17 and 18 features a spoiler element 16 i, which is recessed in an underside of a wiper rod component 24 i of a wiper rod 12 i in a main bending area and is designed to be overlapping on an upper side of the main bending area or the wiper rod component 24 i. FIG. 17 shows the wiper device with its wiper arm 10 i in an unstressed state and FIG. 18 shows it in a stressed state. In a stressed state, the spoiler element 16 i extends over the entire length of the wiper rod 12 i.

FIGS. 19 and 20 depict an alternative wiper device with a wiper arm 10 j. The wiper arm 10 j includes a fastening part 14 j and a wiper rod 12 j, which are formed by a leaf spring made of spring steel.

The wiper rod 12 j is fastened on one end by means of a so-called overlapping of the fastening part 14 j via a clamped connection in the fastening part 14 j.

A flexible spoiler element 16 j made of rubber is inserted with its receptacle area onto the wiper rod 12 j and adhered with the wiper rod 12 j. Instead of inserting the spoiler element 16 j onto the wiper rod 12 j, the spoiler element could also be injection molded around the wiper rod 12 j. The spoiler element 16 j extends over the entire length of the wipe rod 12 j and essentially has a C-profile that is open to the underside, on whose cover side a wing element is formed as a single piece (FIG. 20).

In FIG. 19 the wiper arm 10 j is depicted in a stressed state and in an unstressed state as a dashed line. Furthermore, the wiper arm 10 j is depicted in FIG. 20 in an unstressed state as viewed diagonally from below. In this case, the spoiler element 16 j follows the deformations of the wiper rod 12 j. 

1. Wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle, which includes a wiper arm (10 a-10 j) with at least one elastic section, which features a wiper rod (12 a-12 j) and a fastening part (14 a-14 j) connected especially in a non-articulated manner with the wiper rod (12 a-12 j), characterized by at least one spoiler element (16 a-16 j) to generate a flow-induced bearing force.
 2. Wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 a-16 i) is designed at least partially as a single piece with the wiper arm (10 a-10 i).
 3. Wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 e-16 j) is formed by at least one component separate from a wiper rod component (24 e-24 i) of the wiper rod (12 e-12 j).
 4. Wiper device according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one wiper rod component (24 e-24 i) of the wiper rod (12 e-12 j) is arranged at least partially in a receptacle area of the spoiler element (16 e-16 j).
 5. Wiper device according to claim 3, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 e-16 i) is fastened via at least one locking connection (18 e-18 i).
 6. Wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 j) is designed to be flexible in at least one area.
 7. Wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 a-16 i) is designed to be at least largely deflection resistant in at least one area.
 8. Wiper device according to claim 3, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 e-16 i) is recessed in at least one bending area of at least one wiper rod component (24 e-24 i) of the wiper rod (12 e-12 i) in order to make a stroke movement possible.
 9. Wiper device according to claim 8, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 i) is recessed on an underside of the wiper rod component (24 i) of the wiper rod (12 i) in the bending area and is designed to be at least partially overlapping on an upper side of the bending area.
 10. Wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 a-16 d, 16 i) features a changing cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction.
 11. Spoiler element for a wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle, which includes a wiper arm (10 a-10 j) with at least one elastic section, which features a wiper rod (12 a-12 j) and a fastening part (14 a-14 j) connected especially in a non-articulated manner with the wiper rod (12 a-12 j), the spoiler element (16 a-16 i) being configured to generate a flow-induced bearing force.
 12. Wiper device according to claim 2, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 e-16 j) is formed by at least one component separate from a wiper rod component (24 e-24 i) of the wiper rod (12 e-12 j).
 13. Wiper device according to claim 4, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 e-16 i) is fastened via at least one locking connection (18 e-18 i).
 14. Wiper device according to claim 7, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 e-16 i) is recessed in at least one bending area of at least one wiper rod component (24 e-24 i) of the wiper rod (12 e-12 i) in order to make a stroke movement possible.
 15. Wiper device according to claim 14 characterized in that the spoiler element (16 i) is recessed on an underside of the wiper rod component (24 i) of the wiper rod (12 i) in the bending area and is designed to be at least partially overlapping on an upper side of the bending area.
 16. Wiper device according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one wiper rod component (24 e-24 i) of the wiper rod (12 e-12 j) is arranged at least partially in a receptacle area of the spoiler element (16 e-16 j).
 17. Wiper device according to claim 16, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 e-16 i) is fastened via at least one locking connection (18 e-18 i).
 18. Wiper device according to claim 17, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 j) is designed to be flexible in at least one area.
 19. Wiper device according to claim 18, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 a-16 i) is designed to be at least largely deflection resistant in at least one area.
 20. Wiper device according to claim 19, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 e-16 i) is recessed in at least one bending area of at least one wiper rod component (24 e-24 i) of the wiper rod (12 e-12 i) in order to make a stroke movement possible.
 21. Wiper device according to claim 20, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 i) is recessed on an underside of the wiper rod component (24 i) of the wiper rod (12 i) in the bending area and is designed to be at least partially overlapping on an upper side of the bending area.
 22. Wiper device according to claim 21, characterized in that the spoiler element (16 a-16 d, 16 i) features a changing cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction. 